Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

4.47

1.5K reviews

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah#1 Fall Camping Virginia Fall Camping +5 more

Quick Facts

3,629 ft

Price

$15 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Reservable season op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,629 ft

Price

$15 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Reservable season op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

$15.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are structured by type: $30 per night for standard sites, $15 per night with Access or Senior Pass, and $75 per night for group sites....

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-999-3500 X 3747

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 1.5K reviews

871 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Big Meadows Campground is highly rated, with an average sentiment of 4.29. Positive reviews focus on the clean facilities, variety of trails, and the scenic beauty of the park. Negative reviews address noise from generators and site proximity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Driving directionsFrom Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south to Warrenton, Virginia, then merge onto US Highway 211 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive south approximately 19 miles and turn right into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground. From Richmond, Virginia area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 136 for Zion Crossroads, Virginia. Take exit to US Highway 15 North, then turn onto US Highway 33 west and follow 28 miles to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Swift Run Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive North approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground.

The campground is accessible via Skyline Drive. Specific instructions warn against using Tanners Ridge Road, which does not provide entrance to Skyline Drive or access to Big Meadows Campground. Roads leading to Skyline Drive are paved, but conditions may vary based on weather. Seasonal closures due to weather may impact accessibility.

Nearby places

Luray, VA (approximately 15 miles)

Stanley, VA (approximately 20 miles)

Front Royal, VA (approximately 40 miles)

Nearby supplies

Big Meadows Wayside (located beside Byrd Visitor Center) offers fuel, camping supplies, and groceries. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant provide additional dining and basic supply options within walking distance (5-minute walk).

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Each season paints Big Meadows with its own spectacular palette. Summer brings refreshingly mild days perfect for hiking and stargazing, with temperatures rarely climbing above the low 80s—a welcome escape from lowland heat. Autumn transforms the landscape into a living canvas of crimson, gold, and amber, drawing leaf-peepers from across the nation to witness nature's grand finale. Cool, crisp air makes for ideal camping conditions through October. Winter wraps the meadows in a quiet blanket of snow, though freezing temperatures and potential road closures make this season best suited for the most intrepid cold-weather campers. Spring emerges with carpets of wildflowers and the return of migratory songbirds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in VA

Mild summer days, excellent hiking and stargazing; popular but comfortable temps cited.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in VA

Stunning fall foliage and high demand; fall is a signature season for Shenandoah camping.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in VA

Lush wildflowers and expansive meadows make spring very attractive for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Feb; winter camping at site is limited/off-season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 26 - November 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable season opens March 26 and closes November 29 annually.
Current Alerts: No active alerts specified.

About Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Perched high in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Big Meadows Campground serves as your gateway to Shenandoah National Park's most treasured experiences. With over 200 campsites nestled among ancient oaks and hickories, you'll wake to misty mountain mornings and fall asleep to the symphony of nocturnal wildlife. Just steps away, the Byrd Visitor Center beckons with exhibits and ranger expertise, while Big Meadows Wayside tempts hungry hikers with hearty meals. The nearby Lodge offers a touch of rustic elegance for those seeking indoor comforts. From your tent or RV, you're perfectly positioned to explore miles of hiking trails, catch breathtaking sunrises from Skyline Drive's overlooks, and spot the abundant wildlife that calls these mountains home.

Big Meadows Campground is suitable for a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Specific sites cater to those seeking more seclusion or access to larger facilities.

Historical SignificanceThese mountains whisper stories of centuries past. The legendary Appalachian Trail winds through the campground area, carrying the footsteps of thousands of through-hikers chasing their 2,190-mile dreams. Rangers bring history alive with programs exploring the park's fascinating past, from the mountain families who once called these hollows home to President Hoover's rustic Rapidan Camp retreat. Throughout the park, you'll discover the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose young workers transformed raw wilderness into the accessible wonderland we enjoy today. Their stonework, overlooks, and trails remain as monuments to Depression-era determination and craftsmanship.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Big Meadows with its own spectacular palette. Summer brings refreshingly mild days perfect for hiking and stargazing, with temperatures rarely climbing above the low 80s—a welcome escape from lowland heat. Autumn transforms the landscape into a living canvas of crimson, gold, and amber, drawing leaf-peepers from across the nation to witness nature's grand finale. Cool, crisp air makes for ideal camping conditions through October. Winter wraps the meadows in a quiet blanket of snow, though freezing temperatures and potential road closures make this season best suited for the most intrepid cold-weather campers. Spring emerges with carpets of wildflowers and the return of migratory songbirds.

ElevationBig Meadows sits at one of the loftiest points along Skyline Drive, where the thin mountain air feels noticeably cooler and cleaner than the valleys below. This high-elevation perch in the Blue Ridge Mountains creates a unique ecosystem where northern and southern species mingle, offering camping at heights typically found much farther north. The altitude provides natural air conditioning in summer and spectacular views year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find a doe and her fawn grazing just beyond your tent, or catching a glimpse of a black bear foraging for berries in the distance. Big Meadows lives up to its name with expansive grassy areas that burst with wildflowers each spring and summer. The surrounding deciduous forest creates a living cathedral of towering oaks, maples, and hickories that shelter wild turkeys, barred owls, and countless songbirds. When autumn arrives, this woodland amphitheater explodes in a symphony of color that ranks among the East Coast's finest fall displays. Morning mists often settle in the valleys below, creating an ethereal sea of clouds that makes you feel like you're camping on an island in the sky.

Geological RegionBig Meadows Campground crowns the ancient backbone of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the timeless Appalachian chain that tells a billion-year geological story. From this commanding position in Shenandoah National Park, the land drops dramatically to the Virginia Piedmont on the eastern horizon and plunges into the pastoral Shenandoah Valley to the west. These weathered peaks, some of the oldest mountains on Earth, have been sculpted by eons of wind, water, and ice into the gentle, rolling ridgelines that cradle today's campers. The exposed rock faces and outcroppings throughout the area reveal layers of geological history, from ancient sea floors to volcanic activity that shaped this magnificent landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at noon.

Check-out

Check-out is by noon.

Stay Limit

Up to 30 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties but are close to other campers, which some users criticized for noise.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are configured into loops (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I), accommodating tents and small RVs. Walk-in tent sites offer additional privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on Recreation.gov. Campsites are released in waves up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days prior to arrival.

Walk-in Availability100% of campsites require advance reservations during peak season (May 3 - November 25). Campsites do not permit walk-up use.

Cancellation PolicyVisitors can cancel reservations prior to arrival online or via call center. A $10 service fee applies for cancellations. Late cancellations incur the first night's fee. No refunds for one-night stays canceled on arrival day.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites and restrooms. Specific sites like E195 are noted as being close to electricity for those using medical devices like CPAP machines.

Site SizeSites vary in size, including options for small tents, large multi-person tents, and RVs up to 50 feet long in pull-through sites.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely. Walk-in tent sites and outer-loop sites offer more seclusion, while inner-loop and RV sites are described as close together.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in tent sites offer privacy and are recommended for those seeking seclusion. Generators are prohibited in specific loops, providing a quieter experience.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Big Meadows Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, many accessible directly from the campsite. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and ranger-led programs. With proximity to trails like the Appalachian Trail and waterfalls such as Dark Hollow Falls, the campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingShenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Popular hikes near Big Meadows include Dark Hollow Falls, Hawksbill, and Stony Man. Trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging.

BikingBiking paths and scenic rides along Skyline Drive offer opportunities for cycling enthusiasts.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is frequented by deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. One camper shared, "We saw a deer with her fawn walk right through the campsite."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led evening programs are popular, especially the Star Party for stargazing. The Byrd Visitor Center offers informative exhibits.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a primary concern; bear boxes are provided. Weather fluctuations, including fog and storms, may pose challenges, as well as slippery trails.

Active AlertsNo active alerts specified.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are included at each site to prevent wildlife issues. Bear-proof boxes are commonly available.

Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Gathering dead wood is allowed, but sawing or cutting trees is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include the Shenandoah National Park Headquarters (15 miles away) and facilities at Byrd Visitor Center (located 1 mile from the campground). Closest hospital is Page Memorial Hospital in Luray (approximately 15 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are conveniently located throughout the campground, with some for specific items like propane canisters.

Water FeaturesNearby waterfalls include Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls within walking distance.

Camp HostCampground hosts are mentioned as helpful but inconsistently present.

Weather at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Reviews

4.5

1.5K reviews

Recommended

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Big Meadows Campground is highly rated, with an average sentiment of 4.29. Positive reviews focus on the clean facilities, variety of trails, and the scenic beauty of the park. Negative reviews address noise from generators and site proximity.

Review Summaries

Based on 1471 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground's proximity to major hiking trails, clean facilities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many appreciated the ranger-led programs and the convenience of the nearby...

Based on 1471 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included noise from generators, cramped sites in some loops, and the high cost of amenities such as firewood and showers. Some campers were disappointed by the lack of cellular...

Based on 1471 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve generator-free sites for a quieter experience. Bring quarters for showers and extra stakes for tents due to windy conditions. A visitor recommended, "If you're coming during peak foliage,...

Based on 1471 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during fall foliage and summer weekends. Spring offers lush wildflowers, while fall provides stunning leaf colors. Winter camping is quieter but comes with limited amenities.

Based on 1471 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Big Meadows is my happy place. Great facilities and wonderfully peaceful." "We loved the lodge—don't miss the blackberry ice cream pie!" "Be aware of generator noise—it’s better to reserve in...

Based on 1471 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site E180 received praise for its views of the mountains and proximity to the Appalachian Trail. However, some sites like H215 were criticized for being uneven.

Based on 1471 reviews